Position:	Research Investigator
Unit:	Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, AARC, AUW
Reports to:	Head of the Department

 

Main Responsibilities of the Job:

(a) Conduct isolation, purification, propagation, and characterization of lytic bacteriophages from environmental and clinical samples targeting priority multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens, using standard techniques including double-layer agar assay, spot testing, efficiency of plating (EOP), host range determination, and electron microscopy (TEM/SEM).

(b) Develop and optimize bacteriophage delivery systems for translational and therapeutic application, with particular emphasis on hydrogel-based encapsulation and controlled-release delivery methods, and evaluate phage stability and release kinetics.

(c) Perform phage and bacterial genome sequencing, assembly, annotation, and comparative and pan-genome bioinformatic analyses to support characterization, taxonomic classification, and identification of depolymerase and other functionally relevant genes.

(d) Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, grant reporting, and maintenance of laboratory SOPs and bacteriophage biobank records, and collaborate with the AARC research team on MDR surveillance and One Health research activities.

(e) Carry out endolysin isolation, purification, and cloning, along with bacteriophage engineering work, and conduct murine (mouse model) experiments to evaluate phage and endolysin efficacy.

Required Candidate Profile:

1. Bachelor’s (Honours) and Master’s degree in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology/Biochemistry and Molecular Biology/Microbiology
2. Extensive hands-on experience in bacteriophage isolation, purification, and characterization works
3. Proficiency in handling MDR pathogens and experience with BSL-2 protocols
4. Experience developing bacteriophage delivery systems (e.g., hydrogel-based encapsulation methods)
5. Experience in the establishment and maintenance of a bacteriophage biobank, including strain preservation, cataloguing, and quality control protocols.
6. Proficiency in phage DNA extraction and genomics and bioinformatics (genome assembly, annotation, comparative/pan-genome analysis)
7. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research laboratory setting
8. Strong English scientific writing skills

Preferred Experience:

1. Familiarity with phage characterization assays, including one-step growth curve analysis, adsorption assays, and stability testing under varying environmental conditions
2. Experience working within BSL-2 laboratory settings, handling multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, and performing antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) and related microbiological assays.
3. Experience in bacteriophage biobanking, including cryopreservation, strain cataloguing, and long-term collection maintenance
4. Familiarity with electron microscopy techniques (TEM/SEM) for phage morphological characterization.
5. Experience in evaluating phage stability profiles and release kinetics.
6. Exposure to endolysin isolation, purification, molecular cloning and bacteriophage genetic engineering approaches.
7. First-author and co-author peer-reviewed publications in bacteriophage biology or related fields
8. Experience contributing to AMR surveillance initiatives or research conducted within a One Health framework

Compensation & other benefits: According to AUW policy.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should send the below mentioned documents,

1. Resume with attached photo and contact information
2. Cover Letter
3. NID/Passport
4. Copy of educational certificates
5. Three references

Please send the application addressing to jobs@auw.edu.bd. And mention the position applied on the subject line. The review of applications will begin immediately. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.